Sussex PDO comes a step closer

A group of Sussex vineyards are a step closer to getting a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). This is the official EU designation for quality products linked to a specific geographical area. The wineries include Rathfinny Estate and include Ridgeview and Bolney estates. The 70 winemakers in Sussex account for 25% of England's total wine production. Currently the PDO status exists for English Wine, Welsh Wine and English/Welsh quality sparkling wine. But opinions within the English wine industry are divided. Stephen Skelton MW feels a Sussex PDO would dilute the impact of the brand English Sparkling. He feels that there should have been more industry-wide consultation before it was agreed that Sussex should go ahead. Anthony Foster MW feels that English wines need all the support they need and that PDOs ultimately support this. Mainly because a PDO promotes the image of a vineyards wines.